The secret behind the beaver warning sign: draw drivers

The secret behind the beaver warning sign: draw drivers

The return of beavers in North Rhine-Westphalia and their effects on road traffic

The population of the beavers in North Rhine-Westphalia is enjoying an excellent development, according to the beaver expert Lutz Dalbeck from the biological station in the district of Düren. After a resettlement project in the Northern Eifel, the beaver has successfully spread along the rivers.

According to Dalbeck, between 1500 and 2000 animals live in North Rhine-Westphalia, mainly in the Eifel and Lower Rhine. This development has caused drivers to be made aware of the presence of beavers in order to avoid possible accidents.

The beaver warning sign: Protection measure for humans and animals

To protect the beavers and warn drivers of possible dangers, special signs were installed at certain points in North Rhine-Westphalia. These are intended to draw attention to drivers that there are beavers in the area and that they should therefore drive particularly carefully.

The local road maintenance department, together with the State Business of North Rhine -Westphalia, took these measures to facilitate the living together of humans and animals. Even if the beaver warning sign is not an official traffic sign, it is still an important facility to ensure safety in road traffic.

The importance of beavers for the environment and society

The NABU NABU NRW nature conservation association emphasizes the positive effects of beavers on nature and biodiversity. The building activity of the beaver not only has a positive effect on water quality and flood protection, but also enriches the environment as a whole.

Nevertheless, there are also potential for conflict, especially with regard to the change in the landscape through the accumulation of rivers and streams. A nationwide beaver management should help to solve these conflicts and to facilitate the living together of beavers, agriculture and society.

It remains to be seen how the situation develops and what measures are taken to support the return of beavers in North Rhine-Westphalia and at the same time solve possible problems.

- Nag